Holidays in Puglia: the top 10 places to enjoy the sea

It is that time of the year again! The summer is getting close and you begin to dream about yourself lying under a parasol with a nice, cold drink, somewhere on the beach. Well, you do not have to go very far to realize your dream in real life. Here are the best, magical sea places of Salento:

Castro: This florid location with the old town located over a hill, is a beautiful example of an antique town (borgo), with a castle and walls in perfect conditions. Strolling through the borgo’s narrow streets, you can still find some traces of the Castro’s antique history. Castro is also a vivid, touristic centre, which each year seduces more visitors, thanks to its crystal-clear water (Bandiera Blu 2017 award – Blue Flag certification) and the unique atmosphere of its old town.

Otranto – Baia dei Turchi: Certainly one of the most evocative sea places on the Adriatic coast, Baia dei Turchi is a location that enchants with its white, sandy beaches, enclosed by pine groves, typical of the Mediterranean zone. Only few kilometres away from the beautiful Otranto, this idyllic location is also one of this year’s Bandiera Blu winners, thanks to its coastal environment care, water quality, safety and access for all brought to the highest standards.

Otranto – Laghi Alimini: Situated between spectacular white beaches and natural, slated lakes (Laghi Alimini), this place is a real must for every sea lover. The natural vegetation of the Mediterranean forest gives home for many animal species and it is a perfect place for excursions. Separated form lakes by dunes, long, sandy beaches and turquoise water, where to enjoy the sea and to play water sports like wind surf or kite surf. One of this year’s Bandiera Blu award winner.

Porto Cesareo – Punta Prosciutto: Porto Cesareo is one of the most important tourist seaside locality of Puglia. With 17 kilometres of golden, sandy beaches, as well as low cliffs with crystal-clear water, overlooking islets with rare species of animals and plants, it is one of the most esteemed resorts.

Pescoluse – Maldive del Salento: The place is called The Maldives of Salento and it is surely the right nickname for it! This sea paradise offers kilometres of sandy beaches with an easy access to the crystal clear Ionian sea. Ideal also for small children, this zone is an oasis for who want to enjoy the sea with family, in friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Bandiera Blu 2017 award winner.

Melendugno – San Foca: This small, sea side location close to Lecce, is one of the most important touristic ports of the Salento’s Adriatic coast, in past times a simple fishermen’s village, recently it is becoming a popular sea side resort, with a coast line that varies from white, sandy beaches to cliffs and spectacular, turquoise water. San Foca in one of the Bandiera Blu 2017 winners.

Gallipoli – Punta della Suina: Dunes and cliffs, Mediterranean forest and deep blue water, this is, briefly, how Punta della Suina appears. This enchanting location, situated just few kilometres from Gallipoli, offers a unique mix of low cliffs and small, sandy coves, became quite famous world wildly, as the register Ferzan Ozpetek chose the location for shooting of inserts during his film Mine Vaganti (Loose Cannons 2010).

Gallipoli – Baia Verde: Mostly known for its spectacular old town, Gallipoli is also the place to go if you look for sandy beaches and entertainment. The coast in the southern part of the town is famous for its lidos, some of them opened during the whole year. Consequently, you can enjoy the sun and the emerald sea in those delightful spots even it the wintertime. During the summer, some of them also remain open after the sunset. Best place for youngsters and those who look for some fun.

Nardò: Porto Selvaggio: With almost 2.500 acres of forest, including two natural reserves The zone of Porto Selvaggio is one of 20 Italian Protected Marine Areas and the 3rd reserve, by extension in Italy. What you can find here is crystal clear water and picturesque cliffs, some quite high, that offer peace, even in the very high season. For those who look for comfort, there are lidos that offer leisure and relaxation.

Melendugno – Torre dell’Orso: the location is characterized of beaches fine, silver sand, enclosed by high cliffs. This particularity donates to sea water its beautiful turquoise colour and its clearness. Ideal for small children, thanks to the sandy sea bottom and shallow sea access. Bandiera blu 2017 award winner.